Smart TVs - what is it? Connecting and setting up a smart TV

TV has long been a necessary subject of technology in the home. However, the modern buyer is spoiled, he needs not only a huge screen, clarity and saturation of the image, but also a host of other functions. Therefore, smart TVs appeared on the market. What is it, what are the best models, how to connect and configure them? In this article you will find detailed answers to all these questions.

Smart TVs - what is it?

In English, smart is "smart", "smart". But, of course, in itself such a device can not learn to think, before this technique has not yet reached. Smart TV is a TV with built-in internet. That allows you to access a number of Internet services, including video on demand, radio stations, online games broadcasts, social networks and instant messaging. Many models have a full-featured web browser that provides access to websites. With the 3D format, smart TVs are also working successfully. They came to replace the technology of 3D TV, which never got accustomed, because at the time of its release there was little relevant content.

Which model to choose?

The best smart TVs are produced by all the famous electronics giants. Which manufacturers were the most popular in 2014?

1. LG has released a number of models that are loved by users thanks to their concise design and simplicity of the interface. They easily allow you to simultaneously display multiple video sources on the same screen. And the SmartShare program opens any photos, audio and video files that are stored on a computer connected to the network (both with Windows and Mac), on a hard disk or a flash drive. In addition, the manufacturer offers a number of useful applications, both paid and free. Among them, 3D World deserves special attention for access to 3D content of different categories.
2. Panasonic produces a line of TVs called Smart Viera. The company uses ultra-modern interface in its models, which has a very high level of personal settings. Specialists note that for the average user their number is even excessive. But in any case, the flexibility of Smart Viera does not take. Also, the models easily exchange files with smartphones, which for many users is a big plus.
3. Samsung presents models with the Smart Hub menu, which has five different screens for each type of task: watching TV, video on demand, social networks, applications or reading files from connected devices. And between the devices Samsung works wireless connection. In addition, based on the history of your views, the service S Recommendation will offer you the right content. The controls of this manufacturer are considered the best. In addition to the standard functions, they contain a microphone and even a gesture recognition system, in order to control the menu using voice or motion.

What models will be popular in 2015?

Many experts agree that the bent 55-inch LG 55EC9300 OLED, which preserves the quality of color reproduction and contrast from different angles of viewing, will be a hit of the season. Although this model does not support the standard of ultra-high definition television, a juicy picture and a moderate price for this category of goods (about $ 3000) make it the best choice for 2015 at the moment.

But if you are fundamentally important to compliance with the standard 4K / Ultra HD TV, then pay attention to the Samsung UN65HU8550F. With a cost of about 2800 dollars and a diagonal of 65 inches, it offers the full enjoyment of the benefits of HDTV. The menu is rich in various functions.

Well, in the mid-range, the 50-inch Sony KDL-50W800B deserves attention. Excellent picture clarity even in dark areas (LCD TVs do not always cope with this task), laconic design, support for 3D, the ability to play in the cloud version of PS3 games, and all this for about $ 900. Of course, such a model is a good choice, but Sony's interface is considered somewhat complicated and confusing.

Exit to the network

Obviously, in order to use all the functions of Smart TV, you will need the presence of the Internet. Connecting a smart TV is possible in two ways:

• Wired Ethernet connection.
• Via the built-in Wi-Fi adapter to connect to your home network for Internet access. Most modern models have a built-in Wi-Fi module, but make sure it is available before you make a purchase. Otherwise you will have to purchase it separately.

If you can not connect the Internet to a smart TV because the wireless signal is not strong enough, you have several options to fix this problem:

• You can try to move your Wi-Fi-router closer to the new technique.
• If the router is more than 4 years old, buying a new one can fix the problem. The latest models have a wider signal range.
• If none of these solutions is right, then you just need to buy a Wi-Fi repeater - a device to amplify the signal.

How to set up a smart TV?

First of all, the answer to this question depends on the manufacturer of your model. The process can be summarized in three steps:

1. Cable connection.
2. Custom settings.
3. Internet connection.

Also for comfortable use, you need to install widgets on all smart TVs. What it is? Applications that allow you to take video on demand, interactive TV, gaming services and perform many other functions. As a rule, they are downloaded from the official shops of the manufacturer.

Let's take a closer look at these steps for the most popular manufacturers.

How to start using models from LG

Setting up a smart TV primarily involves connecting the power cables and receiver (the location of the connectors should be looked at in the instructions). Then you need to insert batteries into the console and turn on the TV with it or a button on the device itself. Next comes a fairly simple step-by-step setup where you select the language, type of work (home / store), location and time zone.

Then follows the screen for selecting the connection to the Internet. If it is wired, insert the Ethernet cable into its connector and select "Start connection". You may need to enter the subscriber's password. If you need a wireless connection, select "Find new" and search and select the network.

Now connect the antenna cable and auto scan the channels by pressing "Start". Further agree or refuse the function of energy saving and 3D-viewing (for it to be comfortable, you will need special glasses). Click "Finish" to save the settings.

How to set up LG Smart TV for the most productive work? Install the widgets you need. This can be done either from the official LG Apps TV store, or using a USB drive. For what you need to download the archive with the application to the root directory and then insert the flash memory into the TV. The screen will show information about connecting the device by clicking on it, you can select and install the widget.

Getting Started with Samsung

How to set up a smart TV with Smart Hub technology? This is also quite simple due to the fact that the manufacturer made a series of video lessons, and also created a separate button on the control panel that causes a detailed electronic user's instruction.

When you first turn on, you will need to enter your login and password using the numbers on the remote. This is not very convenient, but do not worry, the system remembers the data, and each time they do not need to be dialed again.

Going to the Settings menu in the upper left corner, you can change the language, location and time zone. If you install it incorrectly, the program guide will not be displayed correctly.

Internet connection is carried out in the menu "Network setup", where you need to choose its type - "cable" or "wireless". If your router automatically assigns an IP address, you will only need to enter a password. If it does not have this function, you will have to manually fill the IP address, gateway, subnet mask and DNS server.

Security

In this article we have considered many aspects related to the topic "Smart TVs": what is it that produces them, how to connect and install them. But if you plan to become a happy owner of this type of technology, do not forget: where there is an Internet connection, there are also hackers and viruses. So far, smart TVs have not been widely distributed, and there have been no real cases of hacking or infection. However, cybersecurity specialists have demonstrated that this is quite possible. Therefore, do not go from the TV to your bank offices and do not make electronic payments. For the time being, the computer is safer for these purposes.